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ACS Hydrobar® Woodbead is a premium, waterborne impregnating water repellent specifically designed for exterior timber applications.
This single-pack solution stands out with its exceptional long-lasting, water-shedding properties and pronounced beading effect, ensuring your timber remains protected and aesthetically pleasing.
Ideal for BARE softwoods and hardwoods, ACS Hydrobar® Woodbead is a testament to innovative preservation, delivering remarkable durability and resilience against moisture and environmental elements.
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ACS Hydrobar® Woodbead is a sophisticated, waterborne impregnating water repellent crafted to provide unparalleled protection for exterior timber. This single-pack formula, suitable for bare softwoods and hardwoods, is a game-changer in timber care and maintenance. On application, it presents a milky white colour, transforming to a clear, almost invisible finish as it dries. Its unique formulation, an aqueous solution of functional silicone resin, ensures high water-shedding capabilities and a distinct beading effect, which remains noticeable even after prolonged exposure to harsh environmental conditions.
The product's efficacy is backed by extensive laboratory testing, demonstrating significantly reduced levels of water uptake, comparable to over a decade of protection. Field trials further validate its endurance, with notable beading effects enduring for 17 years in challenging Alpine environments. It's important to note that surfaces treated with ACS Hydrobar® Woodbead should be free from paints, stains, or varnishes and will not accept waterborne or solvent-based paints until they have undergone several months of weathering.
ACS Hydrobar® Woodbead enhances the natural ageing process of timber while imparting superior water and dirt resistance. This formulation is free from fungicides and UV controlling pigments, yet it effectively inhibits organic growth through its water-repellent properties. Particularly beneficial for timber species vulnerable to decay, such as pine and lower-grade softwoods, it extends the life expectancy of the timber. For comprehensive protection, ACS Hydrobar® Woodbead can be used in conjunction with ACS Lignotec Wood Treatment for added control against sapstain and wood decay fungi.
Long-Lasting Protection: ACS Hydrobar® Woodbead offers over a decade of water repellent efficacy, ensuring long-term durability and resilience against moisture.
Pronounced Beading Effect: Exhibits a significant beading effect that not only provides an aesthetic appeal but also evidences its water-repellent efficiency.
Suitable for Various Timbers: Perfectly formulated for both softwoods and hardwoods, offering versatility in application.
Environmentally Considerate: Free from fungicides and UV controlling pigments, it is a more environmentally friendly option for timber protection.
Enhances Natural Aging: Allows timber to age naturally while providing protection, maintaining the authentic look of the wood.
Invisible Finish: Upon drying, leaves little to no visible signs, preserving the natural appearance of the timber.
Resistance to Dirt and Organic Growth: Offers added resistance to dirt and inhibits organic growth, thanks to its water-repellent properties.
Timber Cladding: Protects exterior cladding from moisture while allowing it to retain its natural aesthetics.
Garden Sheds and Fences: Ideal for garden structures, ensuring they withstand weather elements while maintaining their visual appeal.
Noise Barriers: Enhances the lifespan of timber noise barriers, crucial for maintaining their functionality and appearance.
Decking and Seats: Provides decking and outdoor seats with a durable, water-resistant coating, enhancing their longevity and ease of maintenance.
Natural Timber Joinery: Perfect for preserving the natural look of timber joinery while providing effective protection from the elements.
Take the usual labour hygiene into account.
PPE should be worn during application. See our Safety & PPE Products.
Consult label and material safety data sheet for more information.
Ensure all surfaces are clean, dry and free of oil, grease and loose or flaking material such as bark.
ACS Hydrobar® Woodbead is suitable for application to bare timber. Any paints, stains or varnish must be completely removed prior to application.
Remove all organic growth such as mosses, lichens, moulds and fungi with Green Gone Path & Patio Cleaner. The glossy surface of prepared timber (PAR) should be lightly abraded with wire wool or medium grade Aluminium Oxide paper to reduce surface tension and increase porosity.
Old, ‘silvered’ timber should be rubbed-down to remove degraded material to expose new wood. Mask off any glazing and cover plants. If spraying, do not allow spray-drift to come into contact with sensitive surfaces, such as vehicles.
Product may settle during storage and transport, so shake the contents well before and periodically during use.
Apply by brush, deep, pile roller or conventional garden sprayer.
Apply an initial coat, starting from the top of the substrate to be treated, working down the surface and allowing excess liquid to run down.
Once the whole surface has been treated, but before the initial coat has dried, apply a second coat (so called wet-on-wet application).
Once completely dry, further applications may not be adsorbed.
Remove splashes from glass and plant life immediately or mask-off or cover prior to application.
Approximately 4-8m² per Litre depending on the porosity of the timber.
Do not apply if there is a likelihood or rain, fog or frost before the coating has completely dried, if the surface is wet or if within 3°C of the dewpoint.
A) ACS Hydrobar® Woodbead is a premium, waterborne impregnating water repellent designed for protecting exterior timber. It is a single-pack solution that offers exceptional long-lasting, water-shedding properties with a pronounced beading effect, ensuring the timber remains both protected from moisture and environmental elements and aesthetically pleasing. Its primary use is to safeguard bare softwoods and hardwoods used in exterior applications, such as cladding, garden sheds, fences, noise barriers, decking, seats, and natural timber joinery, enhancing their durability and resistance to decay.
A) ACS Hydrobar® Woodbead works by deeply penetrating the timber's surface, providing a clear, almost invisible finish once dry. Its unique formulation, which includes an aqueous solution of functional silicone resin, creates a water-repellent barrier that significantly reduces water uptake. This barrier not only enhances the timber's natural aging process but also exhibits a pronounced beading effect, evidencing its efficiency in repelling water and protecting against moisture and environmental degradation.
A) The advantages of using ACS Hydrobar® Woodbead include its long-lasting protection, offering over a decade of water repellent efficacy; a pronounced beading effect that adds an aesthetic appeal while indicating effective water repellence; suitability for a variety of timber types, both softwoods and hardwoods; environmentally friendly formulation free from fungicides and UV controlling pigments; enhanced natural aging of timber; invisible finish that preserves the wood's natural appearance; and resistance to dirt and organic growth through its water-repellent properties.
A) ACS Hydrobar® Woodbead is specifically formulated for bare softwoods and hardwoods. It is ideal for exterior timber applications where the wood is exposed to the elements. However, it should not be applied to painted, stained, or varnished surfaces. Surfaces previously treated with these coatings must have them completely removed before application.
A) ACS Hydrobar® Woodbead should be well shaken before and periodically during use to ensure consistency. It can be applied using a brush, deep pile roller, or conventional garden sprayer. Start from the top of the substrate, working downwards, and apply an initial coat, allowing excess liquid to run off. A second coat should be applied wet-on-wet before the initial coat dries. It's important to ensure that splashes on glass or plant life are removed immediately or that these areas are masked off or covered prior to application.
A) The coverage of ACS Hydrobar® Woodbead ranges from approximately 4-8 square meters per litre, depending on the porosity of the timber. More porous woods may absorb more product, reducing the coverage area, whereas less porous woods provide greater coverage.
A) Yes, there are some limitations when using ACS Hydrobar® Woodbead. It should not be applied if there is a likelihood of rain, fog, or frost before the coating has completely dried, or if the surface is wet or within 3°C of the dew point. These conditions can adversely affect the application and drying process, potentially diminishing the effectiveness of the water-repellent barrier.
A) Yes, ACS Hydrobar® Woodbead can be used in conjunction with ACS Lignotec Wood Treatment for comprehensive protection. This combination is particularly beneficial for timber species vulnerable to decay, such as pine and lower-grade softwoods, as it provides control against sapstain and wood decay fungi in addition to the water-repellent properties of Woodbead.
A) ACS Hydrobar® Woodbead offers over a decade of water repellent efficacy, with extensive laboratory testing demonstrating significantly reduced levels of water uptake. Field trials have shown that its notable beading effects can last for 17 years in challenging environments, such as Alpine regions, indicating its long-lasting protection capabilities.
A) No, ACS Hydrobar® Woodbead is suitable for application to bare timber only. Any paints, stains, or varnishes must be completely removed prior to application. Surfaces treated with ACS Hydrobar® Woodbead will not accept waterborne or solvent-based paints until they have undergone several months of weathering.
A) Yes, ACS Hydrobar® Woodbead is an environmentally considerate option for timber protection. It is formulated to be free from fungicides and UV controlling pigments, making it a safer and more environmentally friendly choice compared to some other timber treatments that contain harsh chemicals. By focusing on a waterborne formula and emphasizing its water-repellent properties rather than incorporating biocides, ACS Hydrobar® Woodbead provides an effective solution for extending the life of timber while having a lower impact on the environment.
A) Weather conditions play a significant role in the successful application of ACS Hydrobar® Woodbead. It is crucial not to apply the product if there is a likelihood of rain, fog, or frost before the coating has completely dried. Additionally, application should not be done on wet surfaces or when temperatures are within 3°C of the dew point. Adhering to these guidelines ensures optimal drying and effectiveness of the water-repellent barrier.
A) The drying time for ACS Hydrobar® Woodbead can vary depending on environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and air circulation. However, under optimal conditions, the surface will start to dry to the touch within a few hours of application. For the best results, it is recommended to allow the treated timber to dry completely before exposing it to moisture, which may take up to 24 hours in ideal conditions.
A) ACS Hydrobar® Woodbead is designed to preserve the natural appearance of timber. On application, it presents as a milky white colour but dries to a clear, almost invisible finish, ensuring that the wood retains its natural aesthetics. The pronounced beading effect, which becomes evident when the wood comes into contact with water, adds to the aesthetic appeal without altering the inherent beauty of the timber.
A) While ACS Hydrobar® Woodbead is specifically designed for exterior timber applications to protect against moisture and environmental elements, its use on interior timber is not recommended due to its formulation and intended purpose. Its benefits are most effective in outdoor settings where timber is exposed to the elements.
A) No special equipment is required for the application of ACS Hydrobar® Woodbead. It can be applied using a brush, deep pile roller, or conventional garden sprayer. These tools allow for even distribution of the product across the timber surface. However, it is essential to ensure that the product is well shaken before and periodically during use to maintain its efficacy.
A) Surface preparation is crucial for the effective application of ACS Hydrobar® Woodbead. Surfaces must be clean, dry, and free of oil, grease, loose or flaking material, and organic growth such as mosses, lichens, moulds, and fungi. Old, ‘silvered’ timber should be rubbed down to remove degraded material and expose new wood. Glossy surfaces of prepared timber should be lightly abraded to reduce surface tension and increase porosity. All necessary preparations ensure optimal penetration and effectiveness of the water-repellent treatment.
A) ACS Hydrobar® Woodbead cannot be applied over existing finishes such as paints, stains, or varnishes. These coatings must be completely removed to expose the bare timber before applying Woodbead. The product is designed to penetrate the wood's surface deeply, and existing finishes would prevent proper absorption, reducing its effectiveness.
A) When using ACS Hydrobar® Woodbead, standard safety precautions should be observed. This includes wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, safety goggles, and masks, to avoid direct contact with the skin and inhalation of fumes. Additionally, ensure the workspace is well-ventilated during application to minimize exposure to any vapors. Always consult the product's label and material safety data sheet for specific safety recommendations.
A) ACS Hydrobar® Woodbead should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Ensure the container is tightly sealed when not in use to prevent the product from drying out or deteriorating. Proper storage conditions will help maintain the product's shelf life and effectiveness for future use.
A) Yes, ACS Hydrobar® Woodbead can be used in conjunction with other protective treatments, such as ACS Lignotec Wood Treatment, for enhanced protection against sapstain and wood decay fungi. However, it is important to ensure that any additional treatments are compatible with ACS Hydrobar® Woodbead and that the application sequence is correct to achieve optimal protection. Typically, ACS Hydrobar® Woodbead should be applied after any cleaning or fungicidal treatments have been carried out and the timber is clean and dry. This ensures that the water-repellent properties of ACS Hydrobar® Woodbead are not compromised by subsequent treatments.
A) The ideal environmental conditions for applying ACS Hydrobar® Woodbead are dry weather with low humidity, temperatures above 5°C, and no forecast of rain, fog, or frost for at least 24 hours post-application. These conditions help ensure that the product dries effectively and the water-repellent barrier forms properly on the timber surface.
A) ACS Hydrobar® Woodbead can be used on previously treated timber, provided that the old treatments are completely removed and the wood is bare. Previous treatments can impede the penetration of ACS Hydrobar® Woodbead into the timber, reducing its effectiveness. The timber must be clean, dry, and free of any previous coatings, oils, or waxes for ACS Hydrobar® Woodbead to work effectively.
A) ACS Hydrobar® Woodbead enhances the natural aging process of timber by allowing it to age gracefully while providing superior water and dirt resistance. It does not contain UV controlling pigments or fungicides, which means the timber will naturally change color over time due to exposure to sunlight and weather, but it will be protected against excessive moisture absorption and decay, maintaining the structural integrity and aesthetic appearance of the wood for longer.
A) ACS Hydrobar® Woodbead is designed to be effective in a wide range of climates, offering durable protection against moisture and environmental elements. However, its performance may vary depending on extreme weather conditions and variations in timber species. In very humid or extremely dry climates, additional considerations may be necessary to ensure the timber is adequately protected.
A) The need for reapplication of ACS Hydrobar® Woodbead depends on the exposure conditions and the performance of the product over time. While ACS Hydrobar® Woodbead is designed to offer long-lasting protection, periodic inspection of the treated timber is recommended. If water no longer beads on the surface or if the timber shows signs of moisture absorption, it may be time to reapply. However, under normal conditions, the product's effects can last over a decade, with field trials indicating notable beading effects lasting for up to 17 years in some environments.
A) ACS Hydrobar® Woodbead is not recommended for timber that is in direct contact with soil or submerged in water. It is designed for exterior timber exposed to the elements but not for situations where the wood is constantly exposed to moisture, as in the case of ground contact or underwater applications. For such applications, timber requires a different type of protective treatment specifically formulated for those conditions.
A) The shelf life of ACS Hydrobar® Woodbead, when stored correctly in its original, unopened container, is typically several years. If the product appears to have separated, a thorough stirring or shaking before use will reconstitute it, but if unsure about the product's condition after extended storage, conducting a small test application is advisable to ensure its effectiveness.
A) Surfaces treated with ACS Hydrobar® Woodbead cannot be painted over immediately due to its water-repellent properties. The treated timber will need to undergo several months of weathering before it can accept waterborne or solvent-based paints. This weathering process allows the surface to degrade slightly, enabling it to better bond with paints or stains applied subsequently.
A) ACS Hydrobar® Woodbead contributes to sustainable timber management by extending the life of exterior timber structures through its advanced water-repellent properties. By protecting timber from moisture-related decay and enhancing its natural aging process without the use of harmful chemicals, it helps reduce the need for frequent replacements or repairs, leading to less timber being harvested and a lower environmental impact. Its environmentally considerate formulation also aligns with sustainable practices by minimizing the release of harmful substances into the environment.
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